United States Senior Advisor Massad Boulos has declared American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as “fundamental and irreversible,” expressing strong optimism for a definitive resolution to the decades-long regional dispute.
In exclusive remarks to Sky News Arabia on Monday, Boulos, who serves as President Trump’s advisor for Africa and Middle East affairs, emphasized that current dynamics within the UN Security Council, combined with political will from both Rabat and Algiers, create unprecedented conditions for diplomatic breakthrough.
“When a durable solution is found regarding the Sahara, settling the dispute between Algeria and Morocco will become much easier,” Boulos stated, noting that the Security Council will address the issue on October 30. He confirmed Washington is working with all partners, particularly Morocco and Algeria, to achieve a resolution satisfying all parties.
The advisor stressed that Morocco’s autonomy proposal represents “the best possible framework” for resolving the conflict, while highlighting King Mohammed VI’s conviction that a rapid final settlement is achievable and noting Algeria’s apparent openness to constructive dialogue.
The US position builds upon President Trump’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, which Boulos characterized as irreversible policy. In recent interviews, he confirmed America will open a consulate in Morocco’s southern provinces, stating “Of course, God willing” when asked about the diplomatic mission’s establishment in Dakhla.
This renewed American engagement follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s April meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, where Rubio endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole basis for negotiations, describing it as “serious, credible and realistic.”
During a September meeting with UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Boulos reiterated that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution for Western Sahara,” emphasizing MINURSO’s stabilizing role and the need for regional peace.
The diplomatic momentum extends beyond Washington. France’s President Macron declared Western Sahara’s present and future lie under Moroccan sovereignty, while the United Kingdom shifted from neutrality to endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most viable solution. Spain had already taken this position in March 2022.
Boulos indicated discussions aim to bridge positions before entering a second phase addressing comprehensive bilateral relations. Options under consideration include extending MINURSO’s mandate for three-month renewable periods, suggesting tactical adjustments to facilitate negotiations.
The optimism reflects broader regional dynamics, with American officials perceiving new opportunities for resolution as the dispute approaches its 50th anniversary, potentially ending one of Africa’s longest-running territorial conflicts through diplomatic engagement centered on Morocco’s autonomy framework.